Smart caravans: the E-Trailer system

About the E-Trailer app

Launched in 2017, E-Trailer was developed in the Netherlands by entrepreneurs, Rick Lenssen and Boy Trip.

The team discovered a niche, to use smart sensors placed in key locations to better inform caravanners and motorhomers about the status of their vehicle.

RoadPro has been in business since 1981 and is well known for its innovative, lifestyle-improving products. Founder, Andy Harris, commonly known as Motorhome Andy, saw the potential in the E-Trailer and is now the stockist for the UK.

Andy said,

Monitoring pressure in your tyres

The E-Pressure sensor enables you to keep an eye on your caravan's tyre pressures. It even tells you their temperature. If there's a drop in the pressure, or if the pressure is too high, you'll be alerted so you can do something about it.

This can be done while the caravan is static (parked up at home, in storage or on a campsite), or while you are on the road. Low tyre pressures can increase the risk of a blowout, so you should have enough warning to pull over safely and check the tyre if the pressure drops – thanks to a smartphone notification.

The system works by replacing the tyre valve caps with sensor-equipped versions, which can be added to two, four or six tyres. Their batteries last up to two years and these sensors have the added benefit of maximising fuel efficiency, as underinflated or overinflated tyres can have an impact on fuel consumption. 

Checking your caravan is level

The levelling sensor does away with the guesswork of getting your caravan level and means no more running between jockey wheel and rear steadies and fussing with spirit levels.

On the app, you'll see a diagram with a cross in the middle. Once it's lined up, you'll see the caravan is perfectly level and have peace of mind that you won't be sleeping with your feet above your head. You can even use this in the car to define the most level spot on a pitch.

Monitoring your battery charge

A 12V leisure battery's charge is a finite resource and the E-Volt sensor monitors it and alerts when the voltage drops.

This is one of the most popular sensors and particularly useful for those who prefer to caravan independently, off-grid without access to hook-up, or during winter lay-up.

You can set how low the battery can drop before you are alerted and this module is suitable for all types of battery, including the latest breed of lithium ones.

It also gives an overview of the charge/discharge cycles – if you know anything about batteries, the higher the life cycles quoted, the longer the battery should last.

Monitoring the temperature anywhere

The E-Temperature module is pretty versatile. It constantly monitors the temperature in any part of the caravan you wish, depending on where you place the sensor.

This sensor is button-like and doesn't need to be affixed to anything.

It is most commonly used in the fridge and will alert you if a pre-set temperature has been reached. It also monitors humidity.  Plus, you can have several of these to monitor different things at the same time.

Checking windows and doors are closed

The E-Switch is incredibly useful. How many times have you started off on a journey, but had to stop and check doors, windows and rooflights?

If you fit a switch to a door or window, the app will confirm if it is open or closed. You can fit as many of these sensors as you like to the system, using them for doors, windows and rooflights.

How much gas in your gas bottle?

Monitoring the amount of gas left in a bottle is one of the trickiest things about caravanning.

And how often does the gas bottle need changing first thing or last thing, while you are brewing up your morning cuppa or cooking the evening meal?

This E-Gaslevel element has a wireless sensor that sits under steel gas cylinders (there is an adaptor for aluminium cylinders, too, but it doesn't work on plastic bottles). The app then shows you the level and can alert you when it is almost empty.

How much water is in your water tank?

If you have an on-board water tank or a portable one, you can have the E-Waterlevel module, which shows you the tank levels on the app.

Manufacturer-fitted systems are often not very accurate. This app can also update while you are filling the tank, meaning you never waste water by overfilling. It will also warn you when the tank is nearly empty.

How much weight are you carrying?

Of major interest to caravanners is the E-Load. Just replace a caravan's existing jockey wheel with the E-Load jockey wheel to ensure you are within the safe noseweight limit for better on-road stability.

Too low a noseweight and the caravan can sway, too high a noseweight will push down on the car and impact the grip of the front wheels.

The sensor on the E-Load jockey wheel is accurate to within 5kg.

Caravan magazine has been inspiring caravanners for more than 80 years! We have grown to become a leading authority on caravans, the caravan industry, caravan lifestyle, campsites and caravan travel destinations. We know what our readers want – and that's to make the most of their caravans and their holidays!

Want to know more about Caravan magazine?